Final House vote set today on PWSA measure

Legislation to place Pittsburgh’s water authority under state Public Utility Commission oversight is bound for a final House vote Thursday in Harrisburg.

The proposal for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority won preliminary approval in an initial House floor vote Wednesday.

House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, and Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Carrick, have pushed the legislation, which they argued is necessary to help address fiscal, infrastructure and other problems at PWSA.

A companion bill is expected in the state Senate. Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration has been evaluating the idea, according to a spokesman.

The PUC generally oversees investor-owned utilities, regulating their rates and analyzing their technical and financial health. Bringing a municipal authority like PWSA under the PUC requires legislative action.

Voters might decide on amendment to charter

Pittsburgh voters could decide soon whether city employees can double as part-time sports coaches for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

With few exceptions, the city’s home rule charter prevents its paid workers from holding compensated jobs in any other governmental entity.

A proposal before City Council would amend the charter to let city employees take up paid athletic coaching with PPS “in any season[s] throughout the year.”

“My understanding is that there has been a shortage of coaches in the city,” said Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, who introduced the measure about a week ago. City employees should be eligible for the PPS coaching gigs, which could open up opportunities for more community involvement, she said.

Ms. Rudiak said the city law department will review the matter along with the mayor’s office, council members and the school district. The proposal may require a ballot referendum to alter the home rule charter, she said.

Council agreed Wednesday to discuss the subject in four weeks.